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If the health care provider suspects you or your client has a breast tumor, she/he will probably order some non-invasive diagnostic tests. These tests will help detect breast tumors and cysts and differentiate between cancerous and non cancerous breast disease. Depending on the results of these tests, the health care provider may then perform a biopsy.
Which tests will the health care provider order? That depends upon you or your client's condition, the health care provider's preferences, and the equipment at your clinic or hospital. This page will discuss four common types of diagnostic tests.
Mammography
Radiographic procedure that detects breast cysts or tumors. In xeromammography, an electronically charged plate records X-ray images and transfers them to special paper.
Mammograph showing benign tumors.
INDICATIONS
- To screen for breast cancer.
- To investigate palpable or non-palpable breast masses, breast pain, or nipple discharge.
- To help differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous breast tumors.
CARE CONSIDERATIONS
- Ask your client when she had her last menstrual period. If she may be pregnant, notify the health care provider or midwife. She/he will schedule an alternate test that won't expose the fetus to radiation.
- Tell your client that before the test, she'll be asked to remove clothing and jewelry or other metal objects above the waist. (Metal objects will show up as abnormalities.)
- Reassure her that the test's diagnostic value possibly outweighs any possible problems associated with radiation exposure.
Thermography
Infrared photographic procedure that measures and records heat patterns on the surface of the breast.
INDICATIONS
- To screen for breast cancer.
- To predict the risk of breast cancer.
- To help differentiate among cancerous and non-cancerous breast tumors, cysts, and abscesses.
- To aid in tumor staging.
CARE CONSIDERATIONS
- Tell your client that before the test, she'll be asked to remove clothing and jewelry or other metal objects above the waist.
- Inform her that the testing room may be cool. Also, explain that she'll need to wait a few minutes after the test while the thermograms are checked for readability.
- Explain that skin lesions, ointment, or a recent sunburn may cause false-positive results.
Diaphanography
Photograph of infrared light, which is transmitted through the breast with a fiber-optic device.
INDICATIONS
- Early screening for breast cancer.
- To provide a guide for biopsy or cyst drainage.
CARE CONSIDERATIONS
- Tell your client that before the test, she'll be asked to remove clothing and jewelry or other metal objects above the waist.
- Advise her that the test may be repeated as often as necessary without any radiation hazard.
Ultrasonography
Computer display of high-frequency (ultrasound) echoes. High-frequency sound waves are beamed through client's skin and into her breast with a transducer. The sound waves bounce back to the transducer as an echo that varies in strength according to the density of underlying tissues. A computer processes these echoes and displays them on a screen for interpretation.
INDICATIONS
- To detect a tumor less than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in diameter.
- To distinguish tumors from cysts in dense breast tissue.
CARE CONSIDERATIONS
- Tell your client that before the test, she'll be asked to remove clothing and jewelry or other metal objects above the waist.
- Explain that ultrasonography has no radiation risks.
Note: When performed in conjunction with mammography, ultrasonography increases diagnostic accuracy.
Learning About Breast Cancer
Understanding Breast Tumor Staging
Learning About Breast Surgery
Understanding Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Guide To Types of Mastectomies
Patient Preparation For A Mastectomy
Mastectomy Care After Surgery
Learning About Breast Reconstruction
Selecting A Prosthesis
Applying An Arm Sleeve and Gauntlet
Preventing Complications After A Mastectomy
MoonDragon's Obgyn Breast Cancer Information
MoonDragon's Obgyn Breast Reconstruction Information
MoonDragon's Obgyn Fibrocystic Breast Changes Information
MoonDragon's Obgyn Mammography Information
MoonDragon's Obgyn Mastectomy Information
MoonDragon's Obgyn Partial Mastectomy Information
MoonDragon's Obgyn Procedures: X-Ray & Imaging Safety
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